Despite being a small town, Pattaya city is teemed with interesting
places to see and have fun with.
Khao Pattaya(Khao
Prabat): The vantage point on
the hill of South Pattaya offers panoramic views of the whole
city of Pattaya, its crescent bay and night lights. This is also
the site of the Naval Radio Station. On the top of the hill,
a sacred Buddha image is enshrined as well.
Mini
Siam & Mini Europe: Located three kilometers
north of Central Pattaya, this place displays Thai and European
heritage on a miniature scale. This is the third miniature
city in the world after Netherlands and Taiwan which collect
models of important objects and historical sites of different
culture together in one place. More than 100 models, each on
a scale of 1:25 are represented, surrounded by the natural
scenery. Open from 7.00-22.00 hrs. Tel. (038) 421628
Million Years Stone Park and Crocodile
Farm: The Park and Farm are located nine kilometers from Pattaya
town, consisting of breeding pens with more than 1,000 crocodiles,
zoo, and bonsai garden decorated with rock formations. Open
daily form 8.30-18.00 hrs. There are also crocodile shows at
11.00, 14.00 and 16.30 hrs. Tel. (02) 5795033 for Bangkok or
(038) 249347-9 for Pattaya.
Wat Yansangwararam: This is a royal temple,
located 15 kilometers south of Pattaya. The temple was dedicated
to Somdej Phra Yansnagworn, the present Supreme Patriarch in
1976 and was admitted under the patronage of His Majesty the
King. The temple comprises a pavilion, which enshrines a replica
of the Buddha's footprints, and a large Pagoda which houses
the relics of the Lord Buddha. Nearby, there stands Vihan Sian,
a Chinese-style building which houses antiques and art objects
from China. The admission fee is 30 baht per person.
Pattaya elephant village: It is situated on
Pornprapanimitr Road. The village is well-known for elephant
performances which are held at 14.30, lasting about one hour.
Elephant jungle rides are also available. Contact Tropicana
Hotel, Tel: (038) 428645-6, 428516
Nong Nooch Garden: The
garden is featured by the magnificent landscape comprising
the botanical gardens, orchid nursery, and Thai-style-houses.
The highlight to the garden is the cultural performance and
Thai classical dance as well as elephant shows, held daily
at 10.15 a.m., 3 p.m. The park is situated 15 kilometers south
of Pattaya, covering an area of some 500 acres.
Ripley's believe it
or not Museum: The museum is located on the third
floor of the Royal garden Plaza, beach Road. A collection
of curious objects from every corner of the world of Mr.
Ripley's are displayed here. These extraordinary objects
are divided into over 250 categories such as optional illusions,
peculiar lifestyle of unusual people and devices of human
torture from ancient time. Open daily from 10 am.-midnight.
Tel. (038) 710294-8
Panarak Park: The Park
is located on Pornprapanimitr Road, offering the tropical garden
setting with fishing ponds and fishing equipment available
for rent. Accommodation and swimming pool are also available
for visitors.
Bang Saray Fishing Village: The
village is about 16 kilometers from Pattaya City, a few kilometers
off Sukhumvit Highway at kilometer 165. It is visited for game
fishing and seafood restaurants. A deep-water bay which lies
on the southern part of the village is the ideal place for
fishing; boats may be rented for fishing or diving to see the
coral beds. To the north, there is a park with a beach good
for swimming. There are also local accommodations with recreational
facilities available.
Markets:
It is a remarkable experience to visit the local markets
in Pattaya, you will
see the daily life of local people doing their trades, creating
the vibrant and lively atmosphere. The nice markets not to
be missed in Pattaya are Theprasit Market and Nakleua Market.
The first one is a bit off the normal track, taking a motorcycle
taxi is suggested, just ask them to go "Talaad Theprasit";
it costs 30-40 baht from walking street and takes just 10 minutes.
There is a wide variety of products sold at the market at cheap
price, from clothes to foods. The other, Nakleua is situated
on the north of Pattaya. It is good to come early because this
is a fish market from 5.00 am-9.00am. Taxis cost around 30
baht per person or in a group for 100 baht.
Walking Street: This is the
only one road opened for pedestrians during the nighttime,
there are small shops selling handicrafts and various kinds
of products along the street. This is a must for every visitor
to Pattaya.
Bottle Museum: This is the only Bottle Museum
in the world, containing a weird kind of art. The well-know tourist
attractions, churches, temples, palaces, ships both Thai and foreign
in a form of miniature artworks are put in glass bottles. These
creations result from the ceaseless efforts of Dutch sculptor,
Mr. Peter Bedelais who crafted the diverse intricate parts and
brought them together in glass bottles in different shapes. Open
daily from 9 am.-8 pm. The museum stands at kilometer 145.3 on
Sukhumvit Road. Tel. (038) 422957.
Bhira International Circuit Race Course: Situated
at kilometer 14 on the Route 36 to Rayong, about 15 kilometers
from Pattaya City, this is an international car and motorcycle
race course. The 2.4 kilometers circuit is ideal for Formula
3 races. The circuit opens everyday and there are local races
taking place regularly on Saturdays and Sundays.
Pattaya Water Park: The water
park is on Thapphrava Road, Jomtien Beach, offering an amusement
park, swimming pool, and a gigantic slide. It is an ideal site
for family relaxation. In the park, there stands Pattaya Tower,
the first highest seaside tower with revolving restaurant on
the top. From about 240 meters of its height, you see the panoramic
view of Pattaya. Those who would like to stay over, accommodations
are also available. Admission fee is 100 Baht, open from 9.00-18.00hrs.
For mor detail, call (038) 251201-8.
